Iran’s FM Ends Europe Trip with ‘Good Talks’ in France
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif hailed what he called “good and broad” negotiations with President of France Emanuel Macron in Paris at the final leg of his three-nation tour of Europe.
Speaking to IRIB in Paris on Friday, the top Iranian diplomat elaborated on his high-profile meetings in France.
The meetings, including the final one with President Macron, revolved around Tehran-Paris bilateral ties and the mutual enthusiasm for the enhancement of relations, Zarif noted, adding that Macron has emphasized France’s serious resolve to boost economic cooperation with Iran.
As regards the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), a nuclear agreement between Iran and the Group 5+1 (Russia, China, the US, Britain, France and Germany), Zarif said France has reaffirmed its commitment to the accord and has stressed that the JCPOA is an “international and non-negotiable” treaty that should be honored by all parties.
“We had a good and extensive discussion (with Macron) on the regional issues, and on the need for finding political solutions (to the conflicts),” Zarif said, adding that he was informed about the French government’s plans for the settlement of crisis in Syria.
“The new French administration is clearly willing to further broaden ties with the Islamic Republic, and is interested in active presence in (resolution of) the regional issues,” the top Iranian diplomat pointed out.
Zarif also said he has submitted a written message from Iranian President Hassan Rouhani to Macron which contained the Iranian president’s views on the bilateral cooperation and on the regional and international issues.
Despite different views between Iran and France on certain issues, there are multiple subjects that the two sides can jointly work on, Zarif added.
The Friday’s meeting between Zarif and Macron was held at the Elysee Palace, the official residence of the French president.
The top Iranian diplomat arrived in Paris on Thursday in a tour of Europe that took him earlier to Germany and Italy.
He departed Paris for Tehran on Friday evening.
Iran’s President Rouhani has repeatedly stressed that the promotion of Tehran’s relations with European countries can help enhance regional security.
